Global Employee Ownership Plans Continue to Grow

A new study by Andersen (formerly Arthur Andersen) shows that 95% of 185 large US, UK, and Canadian multinational companies responding to a survey have some kind of employee share plan. 80% offer their plans globally (not just in the parent's own company), up from 54% in 1998, and 58% offer at least one plan to all employees, compared to just 35% in 1998. 21% of the companies plan to offer an additional plan in the coming year, while 9% plan to offer a broad plan for the first time, which the study indicates could add another one million participants. The data reveal that the median size of an option grant is 20% of pay under the plans to non-management employees.